Widespread freezing rain began in the late morning and early afternoon of the 27th creating significant ice accumulations of 1 to over 2 inches. The freezing rain changed to snow on the 28th and northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph gusting to 60 mph. The high winds and heavy ice accumulations caused several thousand power poles (some steel) along with several thousand miles of power lines to come down resulting in widespread power outages. The ice and wind also damaged several hundred miles of high voltage power lines and towers. Some power substations were also shut down by the ice and wind.  Also, thousands of trees were either damaged or downed due to the heavy ice accumulations and wind.  Many of the fallen trees and branches caused damage to homes and vehicles. The radio station in Milbank went off the air due to its tower collapsing.  Tens of thousands of people in many communities and rural areas were without power for several days with some people without power for as much as two weeks.  Telephone and cellular phone service was also down for several days.  Countless schools, businesses, government offices, and other organizations were closed for several days. FEMA, state officials, and the governor toured the damaged area resulting in a presidential disaster declaration.Hundreds of utility workers from South Dakota and ten surrounding states worked 14 to 18 hour days in very cold conditions to bring power back to the area. The national guard also helped with getting generators, cots, blankets, and meals to storm shelters.  Generators supplied power to many communities and rural areas while others continued without power. Shelters were set up for those who did not have generator power or another place to go. There were also problems with livestock with the water supplies cutoff for some time.  One electric cooperative stated that repairs to the infrastructure will continue for months and years to restore a system that took decades to build.Roads were treacherous with many accidents and rollovers with some resulting in injuries. Due to the poor road conditions, many roads were closed along with Interstate 29.  Around noon on the 27th on U.S. Highway 212 two miles west of Zell in Faulk county, a 59-year old man was killed when his car spun out of control and hit an oncoming pickup truck.  And around 130 pm on the 28th on Day County road one about two miles south of Waubay, a 17-year old girl was killed and three others were injured when one vehicle spun out of control and struck another truck in the oncoming lane.  Air traffic was also brought to a halt across much of the area.  This was one of the worst ice storms in the state's history. One electric cooperative said is was the worst damage they had in their 65 years of existence.  After the icing came snowfall of 2 to 12 inches which combined with the high winds to bring blizzard conditions and low wind chills to northeast South Dakota from the morning of the 28th until the early morning of the 29th.  Some of the significant snowfall amounts included, 7 inches at Watertown, 8 inches at Waubay, 10 inches at Redfield, and 12 inches at Sisseton.

Ice Storm in ROBERTS, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 10:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 02:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in GRANT, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 10:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 02:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in BROWN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 15:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 23:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in DEUEL, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 11:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 02:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in MARSHALL, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 12:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 01:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in DAY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 12:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 01:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in CODINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 12:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 01:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in HAMLIN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 12:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 01:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in CLARK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 13:00:00 to 29-NOV-05 01:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in SPINK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 15:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 23:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in FAULK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 22:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Ice Storm in HAND, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 22:00:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.